William "Bill" Cavaiani

William F. "Bill" Cavaiani, 93, of Iron Mountain, passed away on Friday, May 14, 2010, at St. Paul Elder Services in Kaukauna, Wis. Bill was born on Oct. 30, 1916, in Iron Mountain, son of the late Alfred and Margaret (Giachino) Cavaiani. He was salutatorian of the graduating class of 1934 at Iron Mountain High School and went on to attend Dundon Business College. Bill was a World War II veteran serving as a first sergeant in the Army Air Corp from 1942-1945. He married Ardis Backlund on Sept. 6, 1941, and she preceded him in death in 1978. On February 4, 1983, Bill married Catherine "Kaye" Orzehowski, who preceded him in death in 2007. He was employed at Wittock Supply Co. for more than 20 years as office manager. Bill and his brother, Albert "Gabber," owned and operated Cavi's Supper Club in Aurora, Wis. for more than 25 years. He was a longtime member of the Elks Club, the Lions Club and St. Mary and St. Joseph Church. Bill enjoyed music and was an accomplished musician who played the violin, guitar and cornet. Along with his brother and occasionally his father, Bill was a key part of a number of dance bands that played for years throughout the Midwest. He was an avid fast pitch softball player until his mid 40s when he took up golfing. In 1988, Bill shot a hole-in-one on #17 at Oak Crest Golf Course where he was a member for many years. With his quick wit and warm smile, Bill touched countless friends, relatives, and strangers with a kind word or thoughtful deed. He enjoyed nothing more than spending time with family and friends and will be sadly missed. Bill is survived by three sons, William L. (Bonnie) Cavaiani of New Berlin, Wis. and children, Cheri (Rick) Miller, Michele (Dennis - deceased) Kardaris, and Jeff (Oumalay), Don (Candace) Cavaiani of Appleton, Wis. and children, Lisa, Dawn Marie, Angela (Jeff) Hoffman, Paul (Jackie), and Rick, and Randy (Maureen) Cavaiani of North Barrington, Ill. and children, Erin and William J.; two stepdaughters, Kelly (Nick) Davis and children, Abigail and Alec and Jackie (Jeff) Minton and children, Lakota and Hunter; 11 great grandchildren: Paul, Sean, Alex, Attillio, Elliana, David, Brandon, Danny, Isabella, Westin and Frankie; two nieces, Patti (Bob) Forgette and Renee` (Ron) Paquette; two nephews, Fred (Alice) Cavaiani and Ralph (Diane) Cavaiani; special friends, Roger and Pat Baravetto; and his friends and the staff at Evergreen Assisted Living. He was preceded in death by a brother, Albert "Gabber" Cavaiani. Visitation will be Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Monday at 11:30 a.m. at St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Church. Fr. Daniel Zaloga will offer the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will be in the Cemetery Park. The Uren-Cooper-Johnson American Legion Post 50 will accord military graveside honors. Pallbearers will be Fred, Ralph, Jeff, Paul, Rick, and William J. Cavaiani. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul Elder Services, Hospice Care, 316 E. Fourteenth St., Kaukauna, Wis. 54130. Condolences may be expressed to the family of William "Bill" Cavaiani online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the funeral arrangements.

William "Bill" Cavaiani

May 14, 1917 - May 14, 2010